© Sulbing

Summer is just around the corner, and as the weather gets hotter, there’s one dessert that Koreans turn to again and again – bingsu. You might have seen it in K-dramas or Korean variety shows, where friends or couples happily share a big bowl of sweet, icy goodness. Bingsu is not just a dessert in Korea – it’s a summer tradition, a nostalgic memory, and a trendy treat all in one.

What is Bingsu?

© Artisée

Bingsu (빙수) is a Korean shaved ice dessert. It usually comes topped with sweet ingredients like red beans, fruits, syrups, condensed milk, or ice cream. It’s cold, refreshing, and perfect for hot summer days. The texture is light and soft – especially with the modern versions that use milk ice instead of plain ice. It melts in your mouth like snow, which is why it’s often called “snowflake bingsu”.

A Sweet History of Bingsu

The history of bingsu goes back to the Joseon Dynasty. In the past, ice was a rare and precious item. Nobles and royal families enjoyed small servings of ice with fruit or honey. Later, during the 20th century, bingsu became more popular among everyday people. The classic version was patbingsu (팥빙수) – shaved ice with sweet red bean paste, tteok (rice cake), and condensed milk. It was a simple but beloved summer snack.

© Lee Shin-young, Video Media Reporter

In the 1990s and early 2000s, cafés like CANNMORE, Red Mango, and Iceberry started adding fresh fruits to bingsu. These fruity versions became popular hangout desserts for Korean teens and college students.

Then came a big change – milk-based ice. In 2013, a dessert café called Sulbing (설빙), which is still one of the most popular bingsu spots in Korea, opened and introduced bingsu made with frozen milk instead of just ice. It was soft, creamy, and packed with unique toppings like Injeolmi (roasted soybean rice cake), mango cheesecake, green tea, and more. Thanks to Sulbing, bingsu entered a new era.

© Sulbing

Bingsu Today: Toppings, Trends, and More

Modern bingsu is all about creativity and visual appeal. Many cafés now serve colorful bingsu topped with seasonal fruits, handmade jellies, ice cream, chocolate, and even flowers. The prettier the bingsu looks, the more popular it is – especially on Instagram.

© Sulbing

But it’s not just about the looks. Taste still matters! Some popular bingsu flavors you can find in Korea today include:

•  Mango Bingsu – Often made with fresh apple mango, mango ice cream, and syrup. Sweet and tropical.

•  Injeolmi Bingsu – A nutty, chewy option with roasted soybean powder and rice cakes.

•  Green Tea Bingsu – For matcha lovers. Often topped with red bean paste and green tea ice cream.

•  Strawberry Bingsu – A popular winter treat in Korea, served with whipped cream and whole strawberries.

•  Melon Bingsu – Served in a melon half with melon balls and ice cream inside!

© Sulbing

Even though traditional patbingsu is less trendy now, it still has a special place in many Koreans’ hearts. For older generations, it brings back memories of their childhood summers.

Can You Make Bingsu at Home?

Yes! While café bingsu looks fancy, you can easily make a simple version at home.

© Okrumong

Here’s a basic DIY bingsu recipe:

1. Freeze milk in an ice cube tray overnight. (This gives you the soft “snow” texture.)

2. Blend or shave the frozen milk until it’s fluffy.

3. Add toppings: red bean paste, fruits, condensed milk, cereal, or even cookies!

4. Serve it right away before it melts.

© Ohouse

Some stores in Korea and online sell bingsu kits, complete with toppings and flavored syrups.

          © Daesang Bingsu Kit                                                  © Daedoo Foods Strawberry Patbingsu Kit

       © Sweetwel Bingsu Rice Cakes 200g                               © CW Cheongwoo Patbingsu Red Bean 750g

Bingsu is more than just a cold dessert – it’s a fun and delicious part of Korean culture. Whether you try it in a stylish café in Seoul or make it at home on a hot day, bingsu is sure to cool you down and make your summer a little sweeter.